Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1887-11-01
Awo,k,nrman 90 worLiusmen


The near approach of election-day
inspires me with disposition to put in
a word or two in reference to the coming
strife. AS an old Virginian | feel
a profound interest in whatever relates
to the welfare of Virginia, and it may
be that, like the fly on the horn of the
OK, ] may fail to see clearly the small
ness Of my own influence on the Opin-
ions Of those around me. He is poor
creature, however, who cannot WELD a
straw, and they tell us that straw
once broke the back of n camel. /
shall speak rs workingman, and shall
be brief and to the point.
| have taken some pains to survey
the forces that are preparing for the
great battle of the Sth Of November,
and can see nothing but General Ma.
hone on the one side and Virginia on
the other. What forces stand behind
Malone at convenient supporting dis
tance need not tell, nor need | say
that they are all hostile alike to the
tranquility and prosperity OF Virginia.
As for Virginia, she must lean upon
the illustrious memories Of the past or
rely upon articipations made doubtful
10y the recreaIcy and malignity OF
some of her own sons. Once proud
Commonwealth, whose well established
character arrested the favorable con
sideration Of the world, she is nov
dwarfcd to so small measure as to b.
put in the scales in opposition to one
OF the most uugratelul of her sons, and
the least estlmable of her bosses.
Shall this estimate be made good on
the Sth of November? Forbid II,
Heaven They tell us that there Is a
fit time for all thiugs, and if this be 50
tue time is now to Danish Mahoncism
forever from the soil OF Virginia. Be
fore tlis question all other questions
for the time being, sink into inslgnlli
cancc, and all honorable men of al
parties and races are equally concerned
in its proper solution. ! am no parti-
san in any proper sense OF the word,
yet AS | see the present crisis IN Nlr-
giria | would 60 with any party th lt
would give the death-blOw 10 Virginia
bossism, and for this there is no hope
but by way OF the Democratic ballot
box. let tariff thinkers and temper
ance advocates, labor associationlsts
and civil leformers, whether Repubil-
can or Democrat, come shoulder 10
shoulder in the great work OF relieving
ourselves of the worst burden We have
to carry.
As n workingman-O one OF the oldest
in Kichmond--l would say to other
workiDcmen that it is We who are to he
the chief sufferers by false step on
eloction-day. The political excitement
which is food to TIE demagogue is hurt
full to tine interests Of the wOrkingman,
and experience teaches that the proper
adjustment and repose Of our civil ma
chlnery is as necessary 10 the happl-
ness of the wOrkingman's family as It
is that he should have q comfortable
home and be sure OF his wages after he
has canned them. Let US therefore
sedately consider what we are about rs
We approach the ballot-box this fall.
II We have our evils To contend with,
still these are not all the evils that
stand in the way OF the peace OF
the whole community, and we may
learn from our own experience
that while We dwell upon cur own lit
tie griefs we are blinded to a just view
of the general situation. Enough is
clearly before us in the stubborn facts
Of the past to assure Us that General
Malone has no use for the common
people after he has received the benefit
Of their votes We may know with
equal certainty that Virginia must be
relieved from the shackles by which
she is bound before we can look for
ward with increased hope to that better
day which the fates have in store for
our earnest and honorable toilers. And
let US 90 to the polls remembering that
our votes will hasten or retard the pc.
Rod of the aniyal OF that better day.
ASHLAND, VA. j. Il. X.